Basic Chord Theory

Ever wondered why certain chords work with each other and others don't?

When writing music, chords can be constructed from the major scale using

triads (3 note chords). So, lets take the C major scale C D E F G A B (C)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

We are using the key of C major, that contains no sharps or flats.

The formula for every major scale is T T S T T T S

T means tone (2 frets) and S means semitone (1 fret) from each note of the major

scale which gives us C D E F G A B C

This is how every major scale is created, using this formula!

If we harmonise this scale using triads which are 3 note chords, skipping a

note each time from each letter in the scale C E G, D F A etc

1 3 5 , 1,b3,5

We now get C D E F G A B

E F G A B C D

G A B C D E F

So, looking at the harmonised C major scale above, we have 7 chords

C Major, D minor, E minor, F Major, G Major, A minor, B minor flat 5

The above is worked out using 3 different triads-

Major (1,3,5)

minor (1,b3,5)

minor b5 (1,b3,b5)

All of these chords will work together or 'rhyme', meaning they will all sound

'right' when played together.

The above are the basics that many songwriters and musicians have in their musical

knowledge to help them create and write music.